Judge — February 1, 1890 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon satirizes military/political figures receiving bribes or payoffs. The central figure labeled "SATTERLEE" (likely a contemporary political figure) stands prominently in military uniform, surrounded by other uniformed officials. One holds a drum labeled "DEMOCRATIC NEWSPAPER" and "ARSENAL." The caption "SPIKED!" suggests their plans have been blocked or exposed. The dialogue references making a "noise"—implying these figures relied on propaganda or media manipulation to advance their agenda, now thwarted. The cartoon appears to criticize corruption within Democratic political circles and military leadership, suggesting they used newspaper influence and financial inducements to gain power. The exaggerated caricatures and grotesque facial features were typical of Judge's satirical style, used to mock political hypocrisy and graft. Without the publication date, the specific identities remain unclear, though this reflects late 19th or early 20th-century American political scandals.